Socks For Seniors: Holiday Gifts
This is a fun one for the holidays. Elderly people who are living alone, living in nursing homes or homeless get a visit from a cheerful volunteer and a new pair of socksoften bright, festive ones. The point is to let them know theyre not forgotten during what can be a depressing time of year.
To find more charities, or to evaluate these, here are three helpful websites: Charity Navigator,GuideStar and Independent Charities of America. And to check for benefits you or an elderly loved one may be eligible for, visit BenefitsCheckUp.org.
Not For Profit What It Means At Institute On Aging
Institute on Aging is a 501 non-profit organization. This is more than a tax status to usit is our calling. It means we exist solely for the benefit of the people we serve.
From a business standpoint, being non-profit means that all revenue remaining after expenses is re-invested back into Institute on Aging programs and services. We have no stockholders to satisfy the community itself owns Institute on Aging.
From a governance standpoint, being non-profit means that a voluntary Board of Directors serves without pay to determine Institute on Agings policies, make major financial planning decisions, and oversee our paid employees. Some of the communitys most respected women and men serve on our Board and we are extremely fortunate to have their leadership.
From a funding standpoint, being non-profit means that our revenue comes from a combination of government, private and charitable sources. Our supporters make it possible for us to offer services that earn no profit and to serve those who could not otherwise afford help. Every program is assessed responsibly, of course, but if it meets a serious need, we strive to retain it, even if it falls short financially. With the help of our supporters, we work to find a way. We invite you to explore our volunteer opportunities and event sponsorships, make a donation, and join us in our non-profit mission. We do what we do because it is our calling, and we are able to do it because of people like you.
Resources That Provide Financial Help For Seniors
Retirement should be a stress-free time to fully relax and live comfortably. Yet 22% of Americans have savings of less than $5,000 for retirement, and 15% have nothing saved for retirement at all. Whats more is that one in four seniors have no more than $500 in their savings to cover medical bills. If you or someone you know is struggling financially, know that there are resources available to provide help and hope. Read on to discover ways to find financial help for seniors.
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Justice In Aging: Protecting The Rights Of Seniors
Justice in Aging was founded in 1972 by Terry Hatter to fight for the rights of low-income seniors. Today, the charity uses advocacy to pass legislation that protects the overall physical, emotional, and financial well-being of senior citizens.
Their impact and transparency ratings:Charity Navigator gives Justice in Aging a 4-star rating.
By using the law to strengthen the social safety net, and remove the barriers low-income seniors face in trying to access the services they need, we work to ensure the future we all envision for our loved ones and ourselves.
Justice in Aging
What they do: Justice in Aging advocates for legislation at the federal and state level to protect and expand the rights of seniors. They do this by focusing on two main areas: health care and economic security. They ensure every senior has access to the healthcare programs and social security benefits that they are entitled to without discrimination. They also offer litigation services and training for law professionals to help senior citizens maintain their rights through the courts.
What theyve achieved: Today,Justice in Agings training program for law professionals has 53,000 members. With this training, in 2021, Justice in Aging challenged healthcare policies in 11 states that discriminated against seniors. They were instrumental in a lawsuit to enforce the right to translation services for seniors with limited English proficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic.
American Association Of Retired People
AARP is one of the largest non-governmental organizations that is intended to help individuals who are 50 years of age or older. It offers a great deal of services for elder people including financial assistance, caregiving, health-related services, social activities, special needs, technological training, and more. Seniors who need any of these services can consult this organization at or contact the toll-free number 1 888 687 2277.
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The National Institute On Aging
Integrated into the National Institute on Health, the National Institute on Aging advocates for senior well-being. This organization focuses on research specific to aging.
Here, seniors can find a plethora of information on everything from the aging process to specific diseases common in older adults. Its also an excellent resource for exercise alternatives when mobility issues come into play later in life.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.
Aging With Dignity: Safeguarding The End
Aging with Dignity was founded in 1996 by Jim Towey to protect seniors right for dignity, especially during times of illness. Today, they help senior citizens with advanced planning in case of severe illness.
Their impact and transparency ratings:Charity Navigator gives Aging with Dignity a score of 100 out of 100 for finance and accountability.
Aging with Dignity defends the God-given right of the elderly, disabled, and mentally ill to have their human dignity respected and safeguarded, particularly in times of serious illness.
Aging with Dignity
What they do: Aging with Dignity focuses on advanced planning for seniors. Their Five Wishes program provides a legal document to preserve and protect the end-of-life wishes of senior citizens. It covers medical and legal issues as well as spiritual needs, comfort needs, and emotional needs. The charity also provides a toll-free hotline for anyone who has questions about advanced planning.
What theyve achieved: Aging with Dignitys Five Wishes program is one of the most popular advanced planning documents available, with over 35 million copies used. It has been translated into 29 different languages and is considered a legal document for end of life directions in 44 out of 50 states.
Ways to contribute: You can donate to Aging with Dignity on their website. You can also keep up to date on their work by following them on .
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Catholic Charities Of America
This is one of the most effective non-profit organizations across the country for low and moderate-income families and individuals. It aims to help everyone in need. It presents various programs for older citizens. Seniors who are in financial hardship and need affordable housing assistance, mental and physical health integrated healthcare, food assistance, or utility bills support are prioritized by this organization. Explore more opportunities through the following link or by phone at 703 549 1390.
National Council On Aging: Supporting The Welfare Of Senior Citizens
The National Council on Aging was founded in 1950 by the National Social Welfare Assembly to address mandatory retirement and rising health costs that were negatively impacting seniors. Today, the charity acts as an ally to ensure every older adult has the opportunity to age well and with dignity.
Their impact and transparency ratings:Charity Navigator gives the National Council on Aging a 3-star rating. GuideStar has awarded them the gold seal of transparency.
We believe aging well is something every American deservesregardless of gender, color, sexuality, income, or zip code.
National Council on Aging
What they do: The National Council on Aging advocates at the federal level for better legislation for seniors. They provide guides and resources for medicare, falls prevention, money, and health so that seniors are better able to understand what services are available and how to access benefits. Additionally, they provide resources for caregivers to learn how to best support their elderly loved ones as well as best practice resources for healthcare professionals.
Ways to contribute: You can donate to the National Council on Aging on their website. You can also support the charity by helping them advocate for better legislation for senior citizens.
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Organizationsthat Help Senior Citizens
Organizations that help senior citizens specifically are located all over the country. And, they cover all kinds of help from affordable housing, to rides , to delivered nourishing hot meals , to senior discounts almost everywhere..The problem is: A lot of us seniors just dont know where to go to find the the help and assistance we are looking for.So, here at weloveourgranny.com, we decided to create this small easy to use directory of Organizations that Help Senior Citizens that links directly to each organization. This way you can easily and immediately access all of these organizations.Here is our list ofOrganizations that Help Senior Citizens with:10) Almost Everything ElseFinally, The Sweetest One:11) Making Dreams Come True
Seniornet: Education And Empowerment
Founded in the U.S. back in 1986, presciently foreshadowing a future where computers would become an essential of everyday life, SeniorNet has since become an international organization. Their Learning Centers are staffed by trained volunteers who follow a carefully crafted curriculum.
All this is premised on the understanding that maintaining a foothold in the world these days is a great deal easier for those who are computer savvy.
Not only does this sort of knowledge allow one to continue learning by taking online classes or researching topics of interest, but it also facilitates communication, socialization, and creativity.
In the 150+ classes offered, instructors cover everything from computer basics to digital photography, as well as how to avoid scams, protect your computer and more. Membership is a nonrefundable $43 a year, which grants access to any Learning Resource Center in the country plus access to exclusive portions of the website.
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Salvation Army Of America
Salvation Army is one of the most functional non-profit organizations that work internationally. It has different programs and benefits throughout the states based on low and moderate-income peoples necessities. Apart from cash assistance, housing service, employment opportunities, and health care, it has several programs for older people in different cities. Read more information at or call 0800 53 00 00.
Meals On Wheels America: Delivering Food And Hope To Senior Citizens
Meals on Wheels America was founded in 1954 by a small group of citizens in Philadelphia to deliver food to their older neighbors who could not leave their homes. Today, the charity supports over 5,000 community-based programs in the US to provide meals for senior citizens.
Their impact and transparency ratings:Charity Navigator gives Meals on Wheels America a 4-star rating and GuideStar has awarded them the gold seal of transparency.
To empower local community programs to improve the health and quality of life of the seniors they serve so that no one is left hungry or isolated.
Meals on Wheels America
What they do: Meals on Wheels America provides nutritious meals for seniors who have a difficult time leaving their homes. They also promote in-house visits and safety checks to reduce isolation in the older adult population and ensure their well-being.
What theyve achieved: Meals on Wheels America provides meal services to nearly 2.4 million older adults annually. For example, in 2020, they served over 144 million meals across the US. 9 out of 10 recipients report that having these meals delivered helped them to continue living independently.
Ways to contribute: You can donate to Meals on Wheels America on their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their merchandise store or by signing up to volunteer.
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Grants For Nonprofit Organizations Helping Senior Citizens
Are there grants for nonprofit organizations helping senior citizens? With the aim to ease the weakness of the aging group, of course, there are funding for these noble works. In fact, there are foundations that invest on the happiness and quality life of senior citizens.
Most senior citizens live through chronic diseases and loneliness. If they are not bedbound, they live in a place far from their loved ones. To die down the pain, they stare into space or wait for their life to end.
As these elders suffer much, there are nonprofits that shove for the good welfare of elderly people. They scheme out projects to add more joy and glow to their twilight years. They create programs that will make their remaining time happy and memorable.
With these noble deeds, it is not surprising to find funders who give for the sake of the elders. Many funders across the US see the needs of Americas aging group. They give grants to nonprofits that spend time and effort on sick and dying senior citizens.
Benefits Programs For Seniors With Pets
For seniors, owning a pet can provide a level of companionship that is essential to health and wellbeing. But owning a pet is costly, and some owners may find themselves worrying about how to get help with vet bills, pet food costs, and vaccinations. Thankfully, there are plenty of organizations that provide financial help for seniors with pets.
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Shepherds Centers Of America: Using Community To Promote Positive Aging
Shepherds Centers of America was founded in 1971 by Elbert Cole to meet the needs of senior citizens as they retired. Today, the charity promotes positive aging by providing opportunities for community and support services.
Their impact and transparency ratings:Charity Navigator gives Shepherds Centers of America a score of 95 out of 100 for finance and accountability.
Together, we offer a continuum of enriching services to over 165,000 individuals every year, including: support services such as transportation, handy helpers, friendly visits, grocery shopping, and respite care to help older adults remain living in their own homes and communities.
Shepherds Centers of America
What they do: The Shepherds Center provides support services for senior citizens across America. For example, they offer educational courses to seniors through their Adventures in Learning program. They also offer free ride services for seniors who can no longer independently drive. This includes helping seniors in and out of their home as well as managing mobility equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs. Their home improvement services help with tasks such as yardwork, installing railings, and shopping so that seniors can continue to live independently in their homes for as long as possible.
Ways to contribute: You can donate directly to the Shepherds Centers of America on their website. You can also support the charity by volunteering your time.
Shepherds Centers Of America
Shepherds Centers of America was built on the idea of community, and that no one should be excluded from it, regardless of age or health. Established in 1971, SCA has been providing opportunities to some 160,000 seniors every year to live their lives fully so that they, and everyone around them, benefits. They offer a three-part menu:
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Alzheimers Association: Support And Education
If you have a disease, theres probably a charity for it. The Alzheimers Association is one example. This large charity is involved in advocacy and research support. But it also offers a number of programs that directly help patients and families, including a helpline, support groups, education programs, and safety services for people who wander. The association also helps people find clinical trials.
Local Parks And Recreation Departments
Your local parks and recreation department designs programs specifically for older adults in your community. You can find group exercise programs, social activities, educational events, and even trips to explore your community. The parks and recreation department is also often in charge of your communitys senior center, where you can find additional support and staff members who are available to help you with specific situations. Check your parks and recreation program website or stop by your senior center to get a newsletter and calendar of upcoming activities.
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